Monitoring and dispersion modelling of emissions from the fluidised bed combustion of poultry litter

Gaseous emissions from the fluidised bed combustion of chicken litter were monitored and recorded. Emission data was used to create a dispersion model for a proposed site on a poultry farm in Limerick, Ireland. Variables within the combustion unit not only influenced combustion but also emission levels of pollutants such as SO2 and NOx. CO emissions decreased with use of the correct ratio between fluidising and secondary air, the staging of secondary air and the degree of turbulence with which the secondary air is introduced. Dispersion modelling of actual combustion at a proposed poultry unit predicted that ground level concentrations for the set of emissions data would be below the limits and guidelines set by air quality standards. This was true for both and line source. Line source concentration levels were less than those for point source.